Joan T. (Moir) Vanderhoff, 97, of Center Valley, passed away January 15, 2025. She was the loving wife of the late John W. Vanderhoff for 49 years. Born in Buffalo, NY she was the daughter of the late Frederick and Delphine Moir. Joan attended Central Michigan University. She was a member of Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church and was actively involved in the St. Vincent De Paul Society. Joan was an avid gardener, talented artist and never let anyone leave her house hungry. She was very kind and will be sorely missed.
Survivors: son- John M. Vanderhoff (Lori Dreisbach) of Center Valley, daughter- Jane A. Daul of Center Valley; grandson- Matthew Vanderhoff, 2 great grandchildren, brother- F. Barry Moir of Amhurst, NY.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 14th at 11:30AM in Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church 730 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.
Contributions can be made in Joan’s memory to the St. Vincent De Paul Society care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.
Irene Morgan
Irene E. (Meinhart) Morgan, 96, of Bethlehem, passed away January 10, 2025. Born in Kresgeville, she was the daughter of the late Elmer S. and Evelyn E. (Strohl) Meinhart. Irene worked for the Allentown State Hospital as an LPN for 31 years before her retirement. She was a member of Rosemont Lutheran Church, O.L.H.C. Senior Citizens and the Rittersville Ladies Auxilary. Irene enjoyed playing Bingo, gardening, going to casinos, cooking and baking pies and kiffles. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: children- Barry Morgan and wife Richene of Lower Macungie, Carol DePietro of Bethlehem; grandchildren- Jessica Peters and husband Michael, Lauren Morgan and partner Mark Sipics, Lisa Morgan and fiancé Caleb Gesicki, Christina Hirschman and husband Michael; great grandchildren- Cole Peters and Chelsea Peters; sisters- Gladys Green, Shirley Craig and Lois McArdle and many nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter- Jane Frantz, grandson- Shawn Frantz, brothers- Leon, Howard and Melvin Meinhart, sister- Pauline Heckman, former husband- Albert Morgan and partner- Andrew Slivko.
A viewing will be held Friday, January 17th 10-11AM with a Service to follow at 11AM in Downing Funeral Home Inc. 1002 W. Broad St Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Bethlehem Memorial Park.
Contributions can be made in Irene’s memory to St Jude Children’s Hospital care of the funeral home.
Jean Kunsman
Jean A. (Trexler) Kunsman, 88, of Bethlehem, passed away January 4, 2025. She was the loving wife of the late Raymond Kunsman. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Fred Trexler and Nettie (Serfass) Wenner. Jean graduated from William Allen High School. She worked for Bethlehem Steel for 30 years before her retirement. She loved to play cards, loved dogs and was active in various organizations. Jean loved baseball and was an avid Mets fan. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: children- Barry (Kathy), Brian (Laura) and Debra (Bill) Ehrenstrasser; 5 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; stepsister- Linda Trexler. She was predeceased by her sisters- Carolyn Schneck and Irene Antry.
A viewing will be held Friday, January 10th 10-11AM with a Service at 11AM all in Downing Funeral Home Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Cedar Hill Memorial Park, Allentown.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Jean’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or to the Sanctuary at Haafsville care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.
Rosemarie McGouldrick
Rosemarie Catherine (Junglas) McGouldrick, 92, of Bethlehem, was called Home by God on January 3, 2025. Born in Easton to Loretta and Joseph Junglas, Rosemarie was an avid Red Rovers fan. In addition to being a busy homemaker, Rosemarie held many jobs in housekeeping and childcare and was the first Extended Care teacher at St. Anne School. She loved playing Scrabble and dominoes with her family and friends. Rosemarie was a devout member of Ss. Simon and Jude Parish and her faith helped bring several people back to the church.
Rosemarie is survived by daughters- Susan, with whom she resided until entering a skilled nursing facility in December, Mary Mittermeier (Georg) of Coplay and their daughter, her dearly loved granddaughter Hannah of California, and Rosemary Vega (Carl) of Bethlehem; by sons Stephen of Allentown, John of Bethlehem, and William (Connie) of Arizona and their family; by her younger brothers, Carl and Bill, who were lights of her life and by Emilie Heesen, her “daughter in spirit.”
Rosemarie was predeceased by her husband Clarence “Curly”, by her beloved grandson Christian Mittermeier, by sisters Margaret and Mary, by brothers Joseph and Vincent, and by her lifelong pen pal and friend Ann of Connecticut.
A viewing will be held Wednesday, January 8th 9-10AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10AM all in Ss Simon and Jude Catholic Church 730 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Ss Simon and Jude Catholic Church. Arrangements are entrusted to Downing Funeral Home, Inc.
Eileen Lorah
Eileen M. (Naypouer) Lorah, 78, of Palmerton, passed away December 26, 2024 with her family by her side. She was the loving wife to Frank Lorah. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Agnes (Superka) Naypouer. Eileen grew up on 5th Street in Fullerton and was a 1964 graduate of Whitehall High School, where she was a member of the Zephyr Marching Band color guard. Eileen enjoyed sharing memories of growing up in the Lehigh Valley such as riding the Trolly to North Catasauqua visiting family, watching baseball games with her father at Breadon Field, and trips into Allentown to shop at Hess’s. Eileen worked for many years as a manager for the Army Navy Store in Whitehall where she formed lifelong friendships, had memorable conversations with customers, and most importantly, met Frank. She enjoyed spending time at the cabin, gardening, cooking, baking, playing Candy Crush and keeping up with family and friends on Facebook. Eileen enjoyed watching the Phillies, Eagles, Steelers and Penn State, as well as local teams, especially when she was able to cheer on her children and grandchildren. This level of dedication to family earned her the coveted “Fan of the Year” award. She voraciously searched newspapers to cut out box scores and would pass them out to her children/grandchildren. If the box scores were not printed or late, boy-o-boy, you would hear about it. Eileen was not only a fan but participated as an all-time pitcher for the A&N softball team, and you would often catch her at family gatherings throwing a great game of cornhole with her natural lefty toss. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: husband- Frank Lorah, children- Keith Graver and wife Deborah, Karen Graver, Michael Graver and wife Molly; grandchildren- Julia Graver, Kelly Chamley, Lucas Graver, Bryce Graver, Addison Graver, Owen Graver; dog- Bella; cats- Sandi and Katie. She was predeceased by her grandson- Kyle Krause, sister- Jane Leshak, brother- Michael Naypouer and niece- Joanie Leshak.
A Calling Time will be held on Saturday, January 11th 10AM-12PM with a Service at 12PM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St.
Bethlehem, PA 18018.
Contributions can be made in Eileen's memory to Carbon County Environmental Education Center 151 E White Bear Dr, Summit Hill, PA 18250
Francis Figlear
Francis J. Figlear, 92, of Bethlehem, passed away December 26, 2024. He was the husband of the late Peggy Ann (Harte). Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Victor and Rose (Keller) Figlear. He earned his undergraduate degree from Moravian College after serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He also earned a Master's Degree from Lehigh University. He was a teacher, band director, and coach at Perkiomen School in Pennsburg, PA. Later, he was an instructor and coach at Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, CT. After returning to Bethlehem in the mid-70's, he began a new career as a Planned Giving Officer at Allentown College and, ultimately, moved on to become a Senior Planned Gift Officer at Lehigh University. He was also a consultant for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Francis was a member of Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church and enjoyed playing the piano. He will be deeply missed. He is survived by his son John, John's wife Dana Katalinas, granddaughter Lena Jenne, nieces Barbara Ann Seifert-Sigmon, Kymberly Mize, and Kris Buss, and a nephew, Barry Harte. He was predeceased by his brother George Figlear and sister Loretta Sandt. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army.
Judith Master
Judith A. (Heimpel) Master, a deeply loved wife, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2024 at the age of 78. Her warm and caring spirit left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Born on August 14, 1946 in Bethlehem, Judy was the cherished daughter of the late Ray and Gladys (Orlando) Heimpel. She grew up alongside her beloved siblings, James and Gail, forming lifelong bonds filled with love and laughter.
Judy was married to the love of her life, Andy, for 53 years, a union that was a testament to love, partnership, and adventure. Together, they traveled the world, embraced life to its fullest, and shared countless memories that will be cherished by all who knew them.
Though Judy and Andy did not have children of their own, she embraced her role as an aunt with unparalleled love and devotion. To her niece and nephews—and especially her great-niece and nephews—she was more than an aunt; she was a second mother, a source of unwavering support, and a wellspring of joy. Her thoughtful gifts—never missing a birthday, holiday or special occasion—always seemed to perfectly capture what was most cherished, creating moments of delight for children across generations.
Judy will always be remembered as a strong, elegant, and deeply loving woman. She was the heart of countless family gatherings, her laughter lighting up the room. Judy embodied care and connection. Her legacy of love and kindness will forever be etched in the hearts of her family and friends.
Judy is survived by her devoted husband, Andrew Master, her loving siblings, twin brother - James Heimpel and sister - Gail Heimpel-Zydyk, and her cherished nephews and nieces, Sean, Devin, Alexis, Amos and Lisa who were like her own children. She also leaves behind her adored great-niece and nephews, who will always remember her as a source of love, joy, and the best birthday gifts.
Judy lived a life full of love, strength, and grace. Her presence enriched the lives of everyone she touched, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
A viewing will be held on Friday, January 3 from 10-11AM with a Service at 11AM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018 where family and friends are invited to honor her legacy. Burial will be Private.
Jill Boddie
Jill R. (Yarney) Boddie, 85, of Bethlehem passed away November 15, 2024. She was the loving wife of 55 years to the late Gavin L. Boddie. Born in Eastleigh, England she was the daughter of the late Albert and Dorothy (McGaw) Yarney. Jill worked as a bookkeeper and in insurance for many years until her retirement. She had been a member of the Red Hat Society and enjoyed doing needlework, crocheting, sewing and knitting. Most of all, Jill loved reminiscing and telling stories of her life growing up in England. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: sons- Howard Boddie and his wife Cyndee, Simon Boddie and his wife Anne; 4 grandchildren; sister- Yvonne Dewire. She was predeceased by her sister- Valerie Terrell.
A memorial will be held November 24, 2024. Contact Downing Funeral Home for more information.